I'm fortunate to have a R1250GS TE and I love it. Perfect for 99% of what I want. Downside is the expense but as I'm retired and this will probably be my last bike, I decided to go all out on a BMW. I think I've had something like 30-35 bikes in 50+ years of riding and this is the best by far. Love your videos. Keep them coming
Well I'm 74 and been riding a Honda ADV 150, but had a yearning to ride a motorcycle. Having never ridden a M/C in my life, when I came back to the UK this year I did the CBT. Found it challenging but enjoyed it. Passed, so when i got back here i bought the CF Moto 450MT. It's been rainy season until now, so my riding has been a little limited, but summer is almost here. By the way, here is the Philippines. We have a very active group riding a few different bikes, but 3 are Triumph 400s. I really enjoy your channel, touring Europe looks great.
Following a serious leg and ankle injury I had to down size from my gorgeous Africa Twin to a lighter bike, after lots of head scratching I settled on a Kawasaki Versys 650gt, it took about 6 months to go from hating it to loving it. I will always miss my AT but the Versys does everything so well, the 17 inch front wheel and lightness makes it a joy to ride.
After over a decade on sportsbikes... I now gravitate to just four of my bikes... in no particular order... Kawasaki Versys 650 GT, Honda CRF250L, Honda ADV350 and a Royal Enfield Classic Chrome 350. Touring, commuting, weekend ride, trips away... these are the bikes that make me smile.
@@teamtempest844 Does not matter what you ride, don’t know about you, but if I have had a bad day at work. Get the bike out and go for a ride, clears your head and suddenly everything looks better.😃
Of course you need a different bike for different occasions but new Himalayan 450 is a close unicorn. 600 miles round trip last weekend to the Yorkshire dales. All weathers, mixed road services and 80 mile A1 punch to get their and another 80 miles back. Superb machine never felt strained even at the top end of its range. Hand guards, heated grips and Givi light luggage essential accessories. Enjoyed your vid thank you
My unicorn was a Himalayan. Then a trip (from France) to Scotland reared its head. So I bought a Transalp (because I'm old and needed an excuse). So now a whole possibility of unicorns has been unleashed!!
I have traveled all over Europe on a Kawasaki z400 panniers and a backpack is all I need. I don’t like camping so book Airbnb with a washing machine so don’t need to carry as many clothes, don’t film my travels so don’t need cameras and don’t go on motorways very often. It sips fuel. So it’s the right tool for the job for me. I have also got the a triumph speed 400 in black the same one you are riding. Ignore the first gear unless it’s a hill start and then it’s the most fun bike and I love it, it is very different to my Kawasaki and that is why I bought it. Didn’t want two bikes that feel the same.
Your so right, if we didn’t need to carry all the things we do then a simple bag on the back to carry clothes and tools and we could easily use it to tour on
Great honest review, 100%, the right tool for the job is needed, the wrong bike can really put you of your spin/trip. The other option is have 2 or 3 bikes, one from each genre/trip/spin type.
Horses for courses, forty five years ago BMW k100 r/s then BMW KRS 1200 for touring big miles, around fifty mark ( 20 yrs ago) virago 750 and a bonevile 865, last year at 69 and just solo code shop and lakes bimbling RE Hunter does everything I need now, also have a 350 and 500 bullet, just for smiles per miles, so age changes things together with where you go Thanks for vid great work, NW biker dude Ted
Until recently that is earlier this year I had three different GS versions, my first air cooled from 2011, a much newer 1250 and a 750 along with a BMW C400GT. I decided to get rid of all the GS’s and replace them with an RT which I did and after several months it suits me much better especially two up as this is the majority of my biking. I still have the scooter decided to get that to replace a second car and love that as well, first ever scooter after 40+ years had never considered one or even sat on one before. The scooter is great for getting around on does two up with ease and tops out around 95mph so 70 on the motorway two up is easy lots of the usual BMW tech and heated grips/seats. Both bikes are very different I’ll ride almost anything just love being on two wheels and these two for now fulfil all my needs. I also ride for the Blood bikes and get a selection of different bikes in their fleet whenever I’m out.
Love getting the notification when you post a video. I can really relate to this I’ve just bought my first bike and it’s taken ages to work out what I wanted, I knew it would be a triumph but wow what choice. Right tool for the job was something that rang true for me adventure, cruiser, sports bike jeeez well I’ve finally settled on a 2024 Speed Twin 1200 and I’m so excited she is my dream bike my “unicorn” and I’m so happy I took my time and chose what was best for me. Thanks guys keep the content coming it’s always so good to watch and some day I hope I bump into you on our local patch
Hi guys, another very informative vlog! And just to say that I have 5 bikes for different scenarios. One track day classic, two classic trail bikes, one Tracer 900 for big boy holidays and a Yamaha MT03 for use inside the campervan. So we agree that you need a bike for each occasion not one for all occasions. The MT03 is close to the triumph 400 but more capable on dual carriageways with a twin cylinder engine and a bit of wind protection. Look forward to the next one! LYB Andy & Lyn.
Have to say My 1250GSA Is mine!, Sat on one in a showroom about 6 years ago!, Went home!, On The Net !, Found a 1200Gs !, Bought it !, Loved it for 5 years !, Then upgraded to the GSA!, Took it from the Uk down to Croatia this year Faultless and very very comfortable!.🏴
Great content the banter between both, cake, coffee and chocolate sounds perfect. The Unicorn bike for me is the Triumph Street Triple R, track days, touring, commute and bike nights , does them all. It is naked so in wet or bad weather. I am fortunate to have several bikes, including Africa Twin and they all have their good points and purpose. I count myself fortunate to have a collection.
We did exactly this route on Saturday when we went from Moto Velo to Dartmoor prison, good lord it was epically windy and a bracing ride. We were completely mud splattered, but going past all the highland cows made it worth it 😊 I’m not sure we’ve found our unicorns yet, but I was glad I was on the Nightster, nice and comfy and heated grips!
Great to be out and about!! Have 900 scrambler and same deal really not much fun for any distance on fast roads, but awesome for hooning about round towns and lanes!! Not looking forward to clocks going back next week… keep up the super content guys…. Thanks Martin/Suffolk
Braaaap! I Love the sound of the 900 Scrambler! But for this reason i havent bought one as i need a bike that will carry me and our kit across Europe. If i could have two bikes this would be it
I have no issue with the concept of the right tool for the job, that is exactly how my logical brain works. Long story short, when in 2019 I decided I wanted to start solo motorcycle camping, I went into full research mode, in the end I decided the Suzuki VStrom 650 was the perfect tool for me, repeat FOR ME.... and I was right. I got mine, slightly high mileage, s/h, second owner, in January 2020 (great timing!) and since then I've done 25,000 UK miles and have absolutely no plans to change. I confess I have just added a 2005 1200GS to the garage, but that has a different purpose, as does the T140V, which is unlikely to cover more than a couple of thousand miles a year.
At 66 and 44 bikes of all genres except cruisers, I bought an identical bike. Best all rounder ever had. Does everything, not most attractive but certainly most capable
@@volt8684 I'm a similar age, but haven't had anything like that number of bikes. I looked at what was available with no bias or preference, I was as happy to buy a Beemer, Honda, Royal Enfield... whatever I felt would do the job. The VStrom turned out to be the right tool.
The CBF1000 MK1 serves as our versatile all-purpose motorcycle, partly because it's less attractive to thieves. The primary concern for us is motorcycle theft, which is a significant issue both in the UK and abroad. It can completely ruin a tour when you return to find your bike gone.
We talked about this in the last video with regards to bike security tips and theft, you may be interested in this one th-cam.com/video/WUTiGAaeGpQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Gh4lftFkP2SIbB3N
@@ontheroadadventure That's why I mentioned the security aspect. Best security for our trusty and loved old Honda, is to park it with all the new bikes lol. Thank you for your reply.
Bikes are all different, I have a 1988 Lowrider with a sidecar and a Pan America with all of the boxes. I'm in Melbourne Australia, with just the top box, it is fantastic for city commuting, as 20km of my 25km commute is on a city freeway. We have lots of open country roads and long distances (England fits in the state of Victoria Australia, our second smallest state), the Pan Am with the big side and top boxes is great for touring. The sidecar is just crazy fun and needs a lot of weight transfer when on the mountain roads :)
Tiger 1200 XRx with the turbine 120 degree motor for me. Does absolutely everything - except for making schoolkids' jaws drop and testing my adrenal glands. For that I still have my K1300S . . .
I think you can have fun on any bikes, if you compromise! When I was 17 ,in 1991, I went from Catania to Zurich on a 50cc Vespa, my hardest travel experience but also the most memorable! Today I’m 50 I have an ATas 1100 but no time to travel!
It's about mind set I often take the Speed 400 in preference to my other bikes (2× 03 Aprilia Mille one track one road, R1300 GS and F 750GS kitted for off road ) I've changed the sprocket and fitted a Dart Screen fitted Michelin Road 6 tyres along with heated grips and have used it on several blood runs all I can say is if you want a unicorn bike you have to do the modifications that make it that for you the Speed 400 will certainly be that for many and if I had to pick one bike from the 70 plus I have owned it may well be the Speed 400 when I can no longer manage the bigger heavier bikes Love Dartmoor ride safe J 00
Multiple bikes is the answer! Love my Africa Twin and it can do everything I need it to do but always feel like I need another bike for short, fun rides.
I bought a triumph tiger 1050 sport far too heavy when loaded ,so I bought a CBF 1000 f, with top box and panniers,this I find perfect for my needs.keepthe great videos coming..mark
My unicorn bike is a BMW r1250rt, I’m on my forth over the last 20 years.. I’ve sometimes had an accompanying Interceptor or Guzzi V7 but I always go to the RT it just does everything very well particularly touring. I suppose that’s why they are popular as police bikes etc all over the world. But it would be a boring old world if we all liked the same thing.
There is no right ir wrong way. But there is a right way for you. We just have to find our own. Happy with the Himmy. With screen, hot grips, rack and pannier frames etc etc Ride safe 👍
Got to be the R1200 bmw boxer engine in my previous ST/R/S and RS and now the current R1200RS SE - lighter than the RT, no need for GS off road ability, good load capacity, perfect over dartmoor although your route is better the 'other way round' (Moretonhampstead/Princetown/Ashburton - the flow is better) The RS can plod along smoothly at 40mph, carry all my camping gear, travel distance at ease - 1000 miles in 22 hours from campsite, southwest of Copenhagen back to uk and 70mpg over 4000 holiday miles on a trips to the arctic circle Norway(50mph speed limts). Also I think my new Himalayan 450 sits far better at 70mph in 6th than the triumph 400's while still showing over 90 mpg running in over the first 800 miles. (Dartmoor still looks wetter than an otter's pocket!)
I very much agree with you ,I had a triumph tiger 1050 spot, I bought it to go touring in the UK, fully loaded it would have been far too heavy for me. I've now bought a CBF 1000f with top box and panniers what a great choice
Rich & Ewa. Predictable perhaps, but I think my GSA 1200 Rallye….or perhaps the updated GSA1250 Rallye has to be the original Unicorn bike. Supreme all day riding comfort, lazy but powerful engine, great fuel economy, incredible tank range and pretty indestructible engine and gearbox! OK, it might be impractical for serious off road but for someone who considers ascending a curb a step too far I’m really not that worried! As an ex Triumph Rocket 3 owner (who still harbours thoughts of a new GT) I can really appreciate the GSA1200 as a true all rounder! The R3 was a Sunday afternoon one trick pony! Fabulous to ride……but only for the 1st 60 miles! Keep up the great videos!
Great video!.. There is so much to consider when choosing a bike, the seat height, weight off the bike, what you want the bike for, insurance, mpg. At the moment I have a Honda CBF 500 and if I was going to change it, I may go for a Honda NC750X because it covers everything you want a bike for on the road and they are a good price too.
I'd think that a front sprocket change is going to be a big mod for these 400 triumphs 😊 also makes me think that the comments early on about these little triumph bikes being buzzy and hard to get up to the peak power due to it was on point 🤔
I own 6 bikes including a GSXR 1000 A Blackbird for touring and a 1050 speed triple but I’ve gotta admit … these little 400s are seriously impressive. My girlfriend has a 650 v strom but loves her Z400 too.
@@ontheroadadventure To be honest when I add a bike to the collection it’s more out of not wanting to loose money than anything else. I buy a bike and do it up, and it’s lost money to be honest, a lot of the times ur never getting that cash back in a sale, The paint job on the triple alone was 3k worth of air brushing. So I just keep them mate, they all have different uses and memories for me.
@@ontheroadadventure Yep for me it's my unicorn bike. It has all the boxes inc top box to tour Cornwall, Cotswolds etc, but I take the boxes off and its a Sunday b road blaster. So does everything I need. I did have several bikes to one job each. Not anymore.
My GSX1400 seems to be able to do most things except off roading! Great for touring or hooning around at weekends. However I think I'm going to get a Voge900DSX for doing some European touring next year. Going to restore the Suzuki after 20 years of ownership and keep it for best!
There is a place to lock your helmet under every seat of every motorcycle ever made. Trust me it's under there and when you put your seat back down that's what locks your helmet to the bike.
.. but not every helmet can be locked to the bike...my new helmet doesn't have d-ring fastening. (Shark Ridell 2) so cannot lock it to my XSR700. I admit though that the bike has the Brogue helmet hooks on it, so have not retrospectively tried to see if the original Yamaha cable under the seat would accommodate the Shark ratchet ?? fastener. The cable is just wrapped inside a plastic bag with the tools.
Triumph accessory screen and 15 tooth sprocket on the Scrambler. I did it on mine as many have done. Believe the 400 needs a 16 tooth. Transforms the bike. But as you say if you’d taken the back roads it would have been a brilliant ride.
I have an Aprilia SR GT 200 scooter for riding country lanes and visiting old cities with my girlfriend. And an Aprilia RS 457 for fun on my own. And not forget the motorcycle trailer for when a longer ride on motorways is required.
@@ontheroadadventure absolutely no complaints from me. Just regular services and nothing else. As a matter of fact the RS457 is the only motorcycle I have ridden that doesn’t give me any pains whatsoever. It feels better then my previous adventure and naked bikes.
Hej guys, just been watching your channel and love your easy delivery and interesting blogs. I live in Sweden 🇸🇪 and am retired now , have a 1250 gs as I’m tall and it’s a bit like a Swiss Army knife does most things well, but very comfortable.However I also have a R90s from 1974 , which I love if I ride out to a lakeside restaurant,and then I have a BMW r850r from 1996,which has just injection and electronic iginition, no abs , very light and fun to ride.as I get older I probably would stick with the 850 as it’s so dependable and lighter.🇸🇪love your channel , your a lucky man finding a partner that enjoys the same lifestyle.🏍🇸🇪👍
@@ontheroadadventure yes I probably only have a couple of daytime rides left, as it’s starting to go minus now. I have my projects and the season starts about end of April.🇸🇪I live by the Vänern lake largest in Sweden, tourist area.you would be welcome if you wanted to stay🌺
Biggest problem with those 400s on the highway is the engine. In my opinion, single cylinder bikes (or any displacement) do not belong on a highway at highway speeds for any length of time. You are absolutely correct ... wrong tool for that job. Funnily enough, the Tiger 900 Rally Pro and is the sweet spot of the Triumph ADV range. Glad I did not get the GT Pro.
@@ontheroadadventure I was all set in getting the GT Pro since I figured the Rally Pro was too tall. Went for a test ride and they had the two siding side by side so I sat on the Rally Pro just to see. I almost flat footed it in the lower seat position so in 30 seconds the decision was made … never even rode the GT Pro. I liked the look of the Really Pro with its spooked wheels. One thing I will say … some owners have reported broken spokes. The GT Pro wouldn’t have that issue with its cast wheels.
I like my Tiger 800 XRT. Great all round bike. Cruise control. Heated grips. Heated seats. Decent screen, (adjustable). TFT display. Decent size fuel tank, Good fuel economy. Can certainly pick up the pace when needed. It's the 2nd tiger I have had since down-sizing from the big and heavy Explorer. I'm just coming up to 70, the Explorer was far too heavy to hand ball around on my drive and into the garage.
I came to the thought that big touring bikes are for me. Not that I tour that often but the amount of crap I carry around I need a tourer. So I am now running a Kawasaki 1400 GTR. I had a st1100 for 8 yr before. The 1400 is a great bike for me and how I ride. Love you both keep the videos coming.
@@ontheroadadventure the funny thing is she is a nice touring bike till you put her over 6k on revs then she turns into a teen age having a strop. All hell let loose and your off hair on fire looking for the next five miles to get it stopped. Lol. I love I dose love it.
I love window shopping just to see what's available, that's why I'm going to Motorcycle Live in a couple of weeks. But I bought my T100 because it suits my riding and does everything I want.
Yes, the age old conundrum of horses for courses. The easiest albeit most expensive solution is multiple bikes. I've been riding bikes for fifty-seven years (forty-seven on the road) and my current modest fleet is: Kawasaki ZZR600 E6F YOM 2007 (it's my little fun bike and my third baby ZZR in twenty-four years); Honda Hornet CB900 YOM 2005 (it's my summer fun bike); Yamaha TDM900 YOM 2012 (it's my second in sixteen years and a genuine all rounder); BMW R1200GS TE YOM 2018 (it's my default touring bike and my second GS, my first was a BMW R1200GS YOM 2012 - the last of the oil / air cooled bikes). If I could only have one bike, it would be my black Yamaha TDM900. It's got bags of character and is really fun (the non-ABS iteration so old school tech' and less to go wrong). I fitted heated grips; Scott-oiler; Givi V56 top-case; centre-stand; Garmin Sat-Nav so it's a worthy alternative to my GS for a fraction of the cost. Love your videos and content, practically perfect in every way! Best wishes and kindest regards, Jan. 🙂
I own a suzuki vstrom 1050de done the pyrenees and was the perfect tool for the job and love it , I also taught a 60 year old gent called james to ride a bike and his goal when he passed was to travel round the world on a royal Enfield 650 , that sounds amazing and I believe that will be the right tool for him , who's right who's wrong?? Doesn't matter a fuck as long as we love doing it , keep up the good work 👌 stay safe 🫡
And this is the beauty of bikes, we each have a different idea of which is best and that is what drives the vast selection of bikes and constant innovation I think that also helps to keep us all interested in bikes and seeing the new ones come available etc.. we just love it all!
Multiple bikes, Tiger 1200 2 up touring, Honda CRF 250, green laning and Kawasaki Z900 day out honing. All bases covered. The nearest to unicorn for me seems to be the CF Moto 450.
Funny how times change. I started riding when I was 18 in the early 90's. I went all around France on a Yamaha RD350 YPVS, did about 2000 miles, lots of bungee straps. I wouldn't do it now, but didn't know any different then. People didn't tend to have multiple bikes for different uses then.
Love your videos Guys. I returned to riding after 10 years and bought a 300 to Green lane. Too slow i say! So i bought a 700. Too heavy i say! Answer. One of each from the Triumph showroom!
We love to go find all the small lanes and roads and explore them. I often find things or notice stuff i never saw before. The weather conditions also often make it feel like a unique ride each time. Dartmoor is just great
I long ago reached the conclusion we all need more than 1 bike. I own 3. I have my go-to Honda NC750X, my occasional long trip Kawasaki Voyager xii, and my 'strictly for fun' Honda Fury. If I could only keep one it would be the NC all day long.
A few years back I had a Honda NC as a second bike (VFR 800 V-Tech was my main bike); I loved the NC for comfort and economy but never toured on it although I imagine it would be a great tourer if fitted with the right stuff. I’m surprised that there aren’t a few TH-camrs touring on NC’s…..or are there? I sold it as I much preferred the riding experience of my VFR even with a 52 L top box….brilliant ‘all rounder’ (in my opinion!). Now that I’m 81 I’m wishing I’d kept the NC as I don’t need the excitement of the VFR🥸
I'm not really interested in unicorn bikes...I just love em' all.....I have 7 (2 in the lounge and the rest in the garage) including KTM 1290R, KTM RC8R, KTM 990R and Ducati monster 900 on a '93 plate...... others are dirt bikes for pottering about on...... I'm 70 and been riding since I was 11......I might be on a bike thats hard work on the motorway but as soon as I hit the twisties I forget about the Mway ordeal,. Then if I'm on a bike not suitable for the lanes as soon as I hit the Mway/A roads I forget about the lanes.....It doesn't matter what bike your on as long as you're in the wind..... I need a bigger garage for numbers 8,9,10+......keep on keeping on.... love ya both
Must admit my Tiger 800 is great for long distance even in the winter as gives great protection from wind and weather. But my 2013 T100 Bonneville is great to bumble around on and throw around the bends, even at 70 winds not that bad although I do wear a Bell SRT helmet which is not bad, or sometimes open face helmet, shades and scarf . Probably wind does not bother me that much as when I started biking, there were not a lot of fairings about so just used to it. Agree with yo the British country side is great any time of the year, especially on crisp winter days, it’s all about the clothing and heated grips or gloves. Cold damp or misty days can be interesting when you stop and find a layer of ice on front of your jacket.😅
You are absolutely correct, there just isn't one bike that does all things the best, you need multiple bikes !! Even if you ride the same route, or similar routes, sometimes you might want to ride & feel like Johnathan Rae other times you might want to ride & feel like Miss Daisey. There are certain bikes that may well suit one person the best considering what they do like yourselves for example. You might want to go to the South of France camping. A Suzuki Hyabausa would be ideal to get there, once there you could rag around on your S1000RR & when you need some supplies you could nip down to the local supermarket on your Honda PCX125 !
We were just talking about really exploring France properly, so far we seem to miss all the good stuff when crossing France. Wrong time of year for it now though really
I was looking at the Tigers and saw how big they were and also how expensive they were ..and I'm a Triumph fan boy owner, so I looked at the Guzzi V85TT, bought it and love it, thousands cheaper,less tech smaller, air cooled 23ltr tank tubeless wheels ,shaft drive..love it.
Ahh thought tha looked familiar - Postbridge stores - was up for sale last year (might still be?) - we seriously considered buying it but in the end ended up in George Nympton/South Molton a few days ago . Some great riding out here!
I’m lucky enough to have a mx track at my house so I have a Kawasaki 450 for dirt and like you two we have an adventure bike. Love your videos can’t wait until the next one
Love the look of those 400’s , but like you say it’s not much good for highway speeds for comfort etc ! I have two Harley’s, one is the customised 117 stage 3 breakout !!!! But the other one is a stage 2 tuned 107 Streetbob which when I go touring I load that up with gear ! Using the sissy bar bag and throw over bags is enough for my stuff !!! Although to be honest I mainly do B&B’s 😎 great vid as always guys 👍🏼
My go too bike for me at the moment is definitely my CB500x. It does what I need out of a bike. Full hard luggage system on it is very handy. Use for work Commute and other social rides. Next year I am hoping to do more camping trips. Done a couple this year already on my Cb500x.
@@ontheroadadventureNeed to find the right tent for winter camping. Looking to get Vango Galaxy 300 tent at some point. Currently have OEX Phooxx 2 tent. It’s on the small size and as you experienced before on another tent, it has few problems with condensation.
Honestly, I’d like to have at least 6 in my stable. The closest to a “one does all” for me, is my GSA. I can ride every back road and hwy comfortably, single and two track…long stretches of gravel. It can carry a ton of gear…or just a tail pack and the suspension takes care of the rest (esa). My wife is very comfortable on the back for short or long rides. It’s an amazing machine. I think it’s time for a BMW review guys👍👊
Now that you mention it, I think I have seen that…may have been how I found y’all’s channel in the first place. Btw, I was telling my wife tonight while watching this video over dinner…after a couple days, I can’t wait for the next one. You two have become part of our life’s haha. Cheers
yeah, that was it…went back and checked. That is how I found your channel. We’ll, when you and Ewa come over here, there is always a place for you to stay in Charleston, SC
Many bikes has to be the answer. It’s like comparing a Ferrari and a Land Rover. I don’t believe in the unicorn bike. I can only afford one bike so my GSX8S fulfills most of my needs. It can handle the twisties and motorways with ease and as I don’t camp anymore a set of throw over panniers does the job for touring.
I can always find a reason why i NEED another bike! Seems we as bikers are never happy... How many times you said you had the last/right bike... I have loads lol
I've got two Royal Enfields, a 350 that I use for exactly the sort of roads you were going down on Dartmoor, and a 650 for longer/faster stuff. Don't have a screen so I get battered, but an used to that anyway. People have been all over the world on little 350 Enfields so it can be done.
I was recently changing my SV650 to something more touring one and went through Vstrom, Tiger GT and Tracer GT. I rode all. All have some + and some - but exactly what Ewa noticed at 10:20: the paniers on Tiger are too wide! Yamaha put the muffler under the engine - problem solved. None of them is offroad bike and I don't need to be offroad either.
The trouble with having many bikes is the modern fuel. If they are not ridden regularly they will suffer. After 50 yrs of biking I’ve lost my licence through health this year. Like having limb amputated. Only ever commuted on small bikes and a big one for fun. Still hoping to get licence back. At least channels I follow give me pleasure of biking vicariously but makes me sooo jealous😂
I'd stick with 55-60 and lose the peak. It adds a few minutes but takes out the stain. The time you save is minimal unless you are risking your licence. Wind chill at 40 mph knocks off 10°C ish if I recall correctly. I don't do off road trails so just the Harley low rider. The longer it takes the better.
That green tiger sport is now being sold in dealerships for £8650 with free panniers, a bargain. That is because the new tiger 800 will be out in the spring.
Also probably realised people are now dropping loyalty to a brand such as the Voge DS900X fully loaded with extras. People must be switching as theres allegedly a 7 month waiting list now.
unicorn bike for me is the Bmw r1250 Gs shaft drive tellylever suspension do it all bike 👍🥰 I prefer to ride with panniers on day rides for storage and only put top box on when traveling away , makes it easier to thro your leg over Its a myth that if the bars fit the luggage will , Think of this scenario filtering through traffic the handle bars will go over the top of sports car mirrors then bang your luggage panniers take the mirror off as they are a lot lower ( have seen it happen )😱
Right tool for the job? I have driven motorcycles more than 47 years and several one cylinder motorcycles. This one is one off the best. Of course if you want to go on highways you can choose something else. I have also a BMW K1200LT, but I mostly take the Triumph….None wind protection…..Glad you find out that this is a naked bike😊….What did you expect?.I have several trips on the 400x (15 tooth in front) up to 600 km in a day and it’s nice to drive comfortable in it up to 100 km/hour . No problems at all. I think a lot of people drives to big bikes, while they’re skills are not in harmony with either the weight or power. But it’s cool to have a big bike and also a status……In the seventies and eighties we where driving thru the hole Europe with naked bikes, two persons and just 50 horsepower’s 😂😂None problems with that and those trips you remember better than trips with those big monsters that people can’t handle …..
Rich in have the speed triple 1200 rs wouldb not change for bends and i have the tank bag does the job and could go camping anytime i get my pump drink etc
I have a CBF1000 and a Multistrada enduro, and the CBF is my go to bike, I love it, and the more I ride it, and the more adventures we have, the more I love it, really under rated bike.
I added a givi rack and outback trekker top box and small dart screen to my speed 400 it's fine on the motorway and brilliant on the back roads Don't camp it's rubbish use a Hotel or B and B Nothing uncool about a top box The trouble with these short test you get no idea what the bike can do
I'm fortunate to have a R1250GS TE and I love it. Perfect for 99% of what I want. Downside is the expense but as I'm retired and this will probably be my last bike, I decided to go all out on a BMW. I think I've had something like 30-35 bikes in 50+ years of riding and this is the best by far. Love your videos. Keep them coming
They have managed to sell huge numbers of the GS range, and for good reason. Very good bikes.
I have the 1250 adventure and had about 60 bikes over the years and this is the best all rounder I’ve had, not the prettiest
The best bike is what ever bike you happen to have , adventure is a state of mind .
💯
Well I'm 74 and been riding a Honda ADV 150, but had a yearning to ride a motorcycle. Having never ridden a M/C in my life, when I came back to the UK this year I did the CBT.
Found it challenging but enjoyed it. Passed, so when i got back here i bought the CF Moto 450MT.
It's been rainy season until now, so my riding has been a little limited, but summer is almost here.
By the way, here is the Philippines. We have a very active group riding a few different bikes, but 3 are Triumph 400s.
I really enjoy your channel, touring Europe looks great.
Great to have you with us!
Following a serious leg and ankle injury I had to down size from my gorgeous Africa Twin to a lighter bike, after lots of head scratching I settled on a Kawasaki Versys 650gt, it took about 6 months to go from hating it to loving it. I will always miss my AT but the Versys does everything so well, the 17 inch front wheel and lightness makes it a joy to ride.
Glad your in love with your new bike now
After over a decade on sportsbikes... I now gravitate to just four of my bikes... in no particular order... Kawasaki Versys 650 GT, Honda CRF250L, Honda ADV350 and a Royal Enfield Classic Chrome 350. Touring, commuting, weekend ride, trips away... these are the bikes that make me smile.
A Fine Selection there
@@teamtempest844 That’s what’s it’s all about, you only live once so have fun👍
@@ontheroadadventure Thanks, you're welcome to ride them.
@grahamsgoodies7531 Thank you, I've been trolled about a similar comment before so not sure if people are being sarcastic or not. Ride safe.
@@teamtempest844 Does not matter what you ride, don’t know about you, but if I have had a bad day at work. Get the bike out and go for a ride, clears your head and suddenly everything looks better.😃
Of course you need a different bike for different occasions but new Himalayan 450 is a close unicorn. 600 miles round trip last weekend to the Yorkshire dales. All weathers, mixed road services and 80 mile A1 punch to get their and another 80 miles back. Superb machine never felt strained even at the top end of its range. Hand guards, heated grips and Givi light luggage essential accessories. Enjoyed your vid thank you
Thanks John, that himmy 450 is going to sell in big numbers
My unicorn was a Himalayan. Then a trip (from France) to Scotland reared its head. So I bought a Transalp (because I'm old and needed an excuse). So now a whole possibility of unicorns has been unleashed!!
The new Transalp does look like a fantastic machine
I have traveled all over Europe on a Kawasaki z400 panniers and a backpack is all I need. I don’t like camping so book Airbnb with a washing machine so don’t need to carry as many clothes, don’t film my travels so don’t need cameras and don’t go on motorways very often. It sips fuel. So it’s the right tool for the job for me.
I have also got the a triumph speed 400 in black the same one you are riding. Ignore the first gear unless it’s a hill start and then it’s the most fun bike and I love it, it is very different to my Kawasaki and that is why I bought it. Didn’t want two bikes that feel the same.
Your so right, if we didn’t need to carry all the things we do then a simple bag on the back to carry clothes and tools and we could easily use it to tour on
Great honest review, 100%, the right tool for the job is needed, the wrong bike can really put you of your spin/trip. The other option is have 2 or 3 bikes, one from each genre/trip/spin type.
Well said! Thanks for joining us
Hi..just treated myself to a triumph sprint st 1050. 2008.still looks brand new.cant wait for next summer.. bike feels like is the right tool..
Excellent machine! 👌
Horses for courses, forty five years ago BMW k100 r/s then BMW KRS 1200 for touring big miles, around fifty mark ( 20 yrs ago) virago 750 and a bonevile 865, last year at 69 and just solo code shop and lakes bimbling RE Hunter does everything I need now, also have a 350 and 500 bullet, just for smiles per miles, so age changes things together with where you go
Thanks for vid great work, NW biker dude Ted
Seems many bikes is always the best answer
Until recently that is earlier this year I had three different GS versions, my first air cooled from 2011, a much newer 1250 and a 750 along with a BMW C400GT. I decided to get rid of all the GS’s and replace them with an RT which I did and after several months it suits me much better especially two up as this is the majority of my biking. I still have the scooter decided to get that to replace a second car and love that as well, first ever scooter after 40+ years had never considered one or even sat on one before. The scooter is great for getting around on does two up with ease and tops out around 95mph so 70 on the motorway two up is easy lots of the usual BMW tech and heated grips/seats. Both bikes are very different I’ll ride almost anything just love being on two wheels and these two for now fulfil all my needs. I also ride for the Blood bikes and get a selection of different bikes in their fleet whenever I’m out.
A good justification for us all to need many bikes… Good man 👍
Love getting the notification when you post a video. I can really relate to this I’ve just bought my first bike and it’s taken ages to work out what I wanted, I knew it would be a triumph but wow what choice. Right tool for the job was something that rang true for me adventure, cruiser, sports bike jeeez well I’ve finally settled on a 2024 Speed Twin 1200 and I’m so excited she is my dream bike my “unicorn” and I’m so happy I took my time and chose what was best for me. Thanks guys keep the content coming it’s always so good to watch and some day I hope I bump into you on our local patch
Thanks bud, No doubt youll see us out and about soon. Ride safe
Hi guys, another very informative vlog! And just to say that I have 5 bikes for different scenarios. One track day classic, two classic trail bikes, one Tracer 900 for big boy holidays and a Yamaha MT03 for use inside the campervan. So we agree that you need a bike for each occasion not one for all occasions. The MT03 is close to the triumph 400 but more capable on dual carriageways with a twin cylinder engine and a bit of wind protection. Look forward to the next one! LYB Andy & Lyn.
The more the merrier it seems!
Lucky to have 2 bikes GS700 for bimbling about and the odd camping trip and just bought a 'new to us' Goldwing for touring with the wife in comfort!
Oh wow, Goldwings are impressive to ride, it’s like it’s on rails!
Rich don’t think i could change 90 in first just puts a smile on my face
Yes I bet it does!
Small bike not made for motorway! Great video 👍
Or Motocamping it seems... Not for us at least!
Have to say My 1250GSA Is mine!, Sat on one in a showroom about 6 years ago!, Went home!, On The Net !, Found a 1200Gs !, Bought it !, Loved it for 5 years !, Then upgraded to the GSA!, Took it from the Uk down to Croatia this year Faultless and very very comfortable!.🏴
They sure are amazing mile munchers
Great content the banter between both, cake, coffee and chocolate sounds perfect. The Unicorn bike for me is the Triumph Street Triple R, track days, touring, commute and bike nights , does them all. It is naked so in wet or bad weather. I am fortunate to have several bikes, including Africa Twin and they all have their good points and purpose. I count myself fortunate to have a collection.
Seems you can never have enough bikes
We did exactly this route on Saturday when we went from Moto Velo to Dartmoor prison, good lord it was epically windy and a bracing ride. We were completely mud splattered, but going past all the highland cows made it worth it 😊
I’m not sure we’ve found our unicorns yet, but I was glad I was on the Nightster, nice and comfy and heated grips!
We didnt see any highland Cows this time, they seem to be quite rare when going over the moors. We do love Moto velo though
Great to be out and about!! Have 900 scrambler and same deal really not much fun for any distance on fast roads, but awesome for hooning about round towns and lanes!! Not looking forward to clocks going back next week… keep up the super content guys…. Thanks Martin/Suffolk
Braaaap! I Love the sound of the 900 Scrambler! But for this reason i havent bought one as i need a bike that will carry me and our kit across Europe. If i could have two bikes this would be it
I have no issue with the concept of the right tool for the job, that is exactly how my logical brain works. Long story short, when in 2019 I decided I wanted to start solo motorcycle camping, I went into full research mode, in the end I decided the Suzuki VStrom 650 was the perfect tool for me, repeat FOR ME.... and I was right. I got mine, slightly high mileage, s/h, second owner, in January 2020 (great timing!) and since then I've done 25,000 UK miles and have absolutely no plans to change. I confess I have just added a 2005 1200GS to the garage, but that has a different purpose, as does the T140V, which is unlikely to cover more than a couple of thousand miles a year.
When ever you see people travelling the world on bikes youll notice they are on middleweight simple bikes with few electrics...
At 66 and 44 bikes of all genres except cruisers, I bought an identical bike. Best all rounder ever had. Does everything, not most attractive but certainly most capable
@@volt8684 I'm a similar age, but haven't had anything like that number of bikes. I looked at what was available with no bias or preference, I was as happy to buy a Beemer, Honda, Royal Enfield... whatever I felt would do the job. The VStrom turned out to be the right tool.
The CBF1000 MK1 serves as our versatile all-purpose motorcycle, partly because it's less attractive to thieves. The primary concern for us is motorcycle theft, which is a significant issue both in the UK and abroad. It can completely ruin a tour when you return to find your bike gone.
We talked about this in the last video with regards to bike security tips and theft, you may be interested in this one th-cam.com/video/WUTiGAaeGpQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Gh4lftFkP2SIbB3N
@@ontheroadadventure That's why I mentioned the security aspect. Best security for our trusty and loved old Honda, is to park it with all the new bikes lol. Thank you for your reply.
Bikes are all different, I have a 1988 Lowrider with a sidecar and a Pan America with all of the boxes. I'm in Melbourne Australia, with just the top box, it is fantastic for city commuting, as 20km of my 25km commute is on a city freeway. We have lots of open country roads and long distances (England fits in the state of Victoria Australia, our second smallest state), the Pan Am with the big side and top boxes is great for touring. The sidecar is just crazy fun and needs a lot of weight transfer when on the mountain roads :)
I really enjoyed the pan America, loads of power!
Got the right tool rich!! Pmsl
To be fair, big lazy engine, fairing etc make a massive difference
Time to get the twins out the garage...
Tiger 1200 XRx with the turbine 120 degree motor for me. Does absolutely everything - except for making schoolkids' jaws drop and testing my adrenal glands. For that I still have my K1300S . . .
Multiple bikes is the answer then?
I think you can have fun on any bikes, if you compromise! When I was 17 ,in 1991, I went from Catania to Zurich on a 50cc Vespa, my hardest travel experience but also the most memorable! Today I’m 50 I have an ATas 1100 but no time to travel!
Oh No… we must make time for adventure!
It's about mind set
I often take the Speed 400 in preference to my other bikes (2× 03 Aprilia Mille one track one road, R1300 GS and F 750GS kitted for off road ) I've changed the sprocket and fitted a Dart Screen fitted Michelin Road 6 tyres along with heated grips and have used it on several blood runs all I can say is if you want a unicorn bike you have to do the modifications that make it that for you the Speed 400 will certainly be that for many and if I had to pick one bike from the 70 plus I have owned it may well be the Speed
400 when I can no longer manage the bigger heavier bikes
Love Dartmoor ride safe
J
00
A few small mods as you have done and we think it would make a world of difference
Multiple bikes is the answer! Love my Africa Twin and it can do everything I need it to do but always feel like I need another bike for short, fun rides.
The triumph could be the one your looking for then...
I bought a triumph tiger 1050 sport far too heavy when loaded ,so I bought a CBF 1000 f, with top box and panniers,this I find perfect for my needs.keepthe great videos coming..mark
Thanks for sharing
I rode about 230 miles on a VFR 400, that was mostly on the motorway. Never again, comfy multistrada now.
Small bikes just dont seem to have the wind protection for higher speeds
honda cb 500x 👍
We do like that one actually, a great bike
My unicorn bike is a BMW r1250rt, I’m on my forth over the last 20 years.. I’ve sometimes had an accompanying Interceptor or Guzzi V7 but I always go to the RT it just does everything very well particularly touring. I suppose that’s why they are popular as police bikes etc all over the world. But it would be a boring old world if we all liked the same thing.
A fine choice 👍
There is no right ir wrong way. But there is a right way for you. We just have to find our own.
Happy with the Himmy. With screen, hot grips, rack and pannier frames etc etc
Ride safe 👍
and the great thing about this is it provides such variety in motorcycles
Got to be the R1200 bmw boxer engine in my previous ST/R/S and RS and now the current R1200RS SE - lighter than the RT, no need for GS off road ability, good load capacity, perfect over dartmoor although your route is better the 'other way round' (Moretonhampstead/Princetown/Ashburton - the flow is better) The RS can plod along smoothly at 40mph, carry all my camping gear, travel distance at ease - 1000 miles in 22 hours from campsite, southwest of Copenhagen back to uk and 70mpg over 4000 holiday miles on a trips to the arctic circle Norway(50mph speed limts). Also I think my new Himalayan 450 sits far better at 70mph in 6th than the triumph 400's while still showing over 90 mpg running in over the first 800 miles. (Dartmoor still looks wetter than an otter's pocket!)
Those 450 RE's are really good, i have to be honest and as much as i love the Triumph 400's the Gearing needs to be sorted
I very much agree with you ,I had a triumph tiger 1050 spot, I bought it to go touring in the UK, fully loaded it would have been far too heavy for me. I've now bought a CBF 1000f with top box and panniers what a great choice
Awesome, Glad you found your bike... Its so easy to buy the bike we love the look of instead of the bike we need
Rich & Ewa.
Predictable perhaps, but I think my GSA 1200 Rallye….or perhaps the updated GSA1250 Rallye has to be the original Unicorn bike. Supreme all day riding comfort, lazy but powerful engine, great fuel economy, incredible tank range and pretty indestructible engine and gearbox! OK, it might be impractical for serious off road but for someone who considers ascending a curb a step too far I’m really not that worried!
As an ex Triumph Rocket 3 owner (who still harbours thoughts of a new GT) I can really appreciate the GSA1200 as a true all rounder! The R3 was a Sunday afternoon one trick pony! Fabulous to ride……but only for the 1st 60 miles!
Keep up the great videos!
The Adventure bikes really do seem to be the best all rounders... Been my go to for some years now, but i still long after the cool bikes!
Great video!.. There is so much to consider when choosing a bike, the seat height, weight off the bike, what you want the bike for, insurance, mpg. At the moment I have a Honda CBF 500 and if I was going to change it, I may go for a Honda NC750X because it covers everything you want a bike for on the road and they are a good price too.
Fantastic fuel economy too
I'd think that a front sprocket change is going to be a big mod for these 400 triumphs 😊 also makes me think that the comments early on about these little triumph bikes being buzzy and hard to get up to the peak power due to it was on point 🤔
Possibly but it’s such a easy fix it wouldn’t put me off
I own 6 bikes including a GSXR 1000
A Blackbird for touring and a 1050 speed triple but I’ve gotta admit … these little 400s are seriously impressive.
My girlfriend has a 650 v strom but loves her Z400 too.
So you came to the conclusion many bikes is the answer! A Good Answer
@@ontheroadadventure To be honest when I add a bike to the collection it’s more out of not wanting to loose money than anything else.
I buy a bike and do it up, and it’s lost money to be honest, a lot of the times ur never getting that cash back in a sale, The paint job on the triple alone was 3k worth of air brushing. So I just keep them mate, they all have different uses and memories for me.
Your a lucky man to have the pennies and space to keep them all
@@ontheroadadventure The advantage of living in the country with huge sheds mate yea 👍
Go to Plymouth Triumph regular from North Tawton. Always go across the moor. Great ride. Never go down the A38. Hate it. I have a Ninja 1000sx too.
Great choice! I do like that one, Especially with the Boxes etc all to match, Nice ride
@@ontheroadadventure Yep for me it's my unicorn bike. It has all the boxes inc top box to tour Cornwall, Cotswolds etc, but I take the boxes off and its a Sunday b road blaster. So does everything I need. I did have several bikes to one job each. Not anymore.
CRF300 Rally towed behind a VW California Campervan. This is my camping and exploring setup.
That sounds just Ace
My GSX1400 seems to be able to do most things except off roading! Great for touring or hooning around at weekends. However I think I'm going to get a Voge900DSX for doing some European touring next year. Going to restore the Suzuki after 20 years of ownership and keep it for best!
Sounds like a good plan 👍
There is a place to lock your helmet under every seat of every motorcycle ever made. Trust me it's under there and when you put your seat back down that's what locks your helmet to the bike.
You are spot on! and oddly i have never once used it! Must remember that one!
.. but not every helmet can be locked to the bike...my new helmet doesn't have d-ring fastening. (Shark Ridell 2) so cannot lock it to my XSR700. I admit though that the bike has the Brogue helmet hooks on it, so have not retrospectively tried to see if the original Yamaha cable under the seat would accommodate the Shark ratchet ?? fastener. The cable is just wrapped inside a plastic bag with the tools.
Triumph accessory screen and 15 tooth sprocket on the Scrambler. I did it on mine as many have done. Believe the 400 needs a 16 tooth. Transforms the bike. But as you say if you’d taken the back roads it would have been a brilliant ride.
I bet the sprocket change makes it feel like a much better bike, We enjoyed the ride over dartmoor much better than the main road for sure
I have an Aprilia SR GT 200 scooter for riding country lanes and visiting old cities with my girlfriend. And an Aprilia RS 457 for fun on my own. And not forget the motorcycle trailer for when a longer ride on motorways is required.
How have the Aprilia's been for Reliability?
@@ontheroadadventure absolutely no complaints from me. Just regular services and nothing else. As a matter of fact the RS457 is the only motorcycle I have ridden that doesn’t give me any pains whatsoever. It feels better then my previous adventure and naked bikes.
Hej guys, just been watching your channel and love your easy delivery and interesting blogs. I live in Sweden 🇸🇪 and am retired now , have a 1250 gs as I’m tall and it’s a bit like a Swiss Army knife does most things well, but very comfortable.However I also have a R90s from 1974 , which I love if I ride out to a lakeside restaurant,and then I have a BMW r850r from 1996,which has just injection and electronic iginition, no abs , very light and fun to ride.as I get older I probably would stick with the 850 as it’s so dependable and lighter.🇸🇪love your channel , your a lucky man finding a partner that enjoys the same lifestyle.🏍🇸🇪👍
Thanks so much, Much appreciated. We hope to get to Sweden one day soon, but when the weather improves! Im guessing you cannot ride all year there?
@@ontheroadadventure yes I probably only have a couple of daytime rides left, as it’s starting to go minus now. I have my projects and the season starts about end of April.🇸🇪I live by the Vänern lake largest in Sweden, tourist area.you would be welcome if you wanted to stay🌺
Thanks so much! Id hate to not ride for months... Time for Snow tyres!
@@ontheroadadventure yes studded tyres next month,then it’s ice hole fishing and planning trips for next year🇸🇪🏍👍
Take care guys
Cheers Cliff
Biggest problem with those 400s on the highway is the engine. In my opinion, single cylinder bikes (or any displacement) do not belong on a highway at highway speeds for any length of time. You are absolutely correct ... wrong tool for that job. Funnily enough, the Tiger 900 Rally Pro and is the sweet spot of the Triumph ADV range. Glad I did not get the GT Pro.
I had the GT Pro and always fancied the rally
@@ontheroadadventure I was all set in getting the GT Pro since I figured the Rally Pro was too tall. Went for a test ride and they had the two siding side by side so I sat on the Rally Pro just to see. I almost flat footed it in the lower seat position so in 30 seconds the decision was made … never even rode the GT Pro. I liked the look of the Really Pro with its spooked wheels. One thing I will say … some owners have reported broken spokes. The GT Pro wouldn’t have that issue with its cast wheels.
I like my Tiger 800 XRT. Great all round bike. Cruise control. Heated grips. Heated seats. Decent screen, (adjustable). TFT display. Decent size fuel tank, Good fuel economy. Can certainly pick up the pace when needed.
It's the 2nd tiger I have had since down-sizing from the big and heavy Explorer. I'm just coming up to 70, the Explorer was far too heavy to hand ball around on my drive and into the garage.
Ewa had the 800 and got on very well with it too. Great bike, although the triple whistle got tiresome
And I love that triple whistle tone from the engine. The gearbox could be better, a bit agricultural really for a modern bike, but it works fine.
@@ontheroadadventure I LOVE IT, LOL...But I am a bit mutton jeff.
Ewa's one would whine so loudly it was constant through our comms
I came to the thought that big touring bikes are for me. Not that I tour that often but the amount of crap I carry around I need a tourer. So I am now running a Kawasaki 1400 GTR. I had a st1100 for 8 yr before. The 1400 is a great bike for me and how I ride. Love you both keep the videos coming.
The mighty GTR is a beauty! I could defo find reason i need that one!
@@ontheroadadventure the funny thing is she is a nice touring bike till you put her over 6k on revs then she turns into a teen age having a strop. All hell let loose and your off hair on fire looking for the next five miles to get it stopped. Lol. I love I dose love it.
I love window shopping just to see what's available, that's why I'm going to Motorcycle Live in a couple of weeks. But I bought my T100 because it suits my riding and does everything I want.
Motorcycle live is great! I always want to buy everything! Kids in a sweet shop
Yes, the age old conundrum of horses for courses. The easiest albeit most expensive solution is multiple bikes. I've been riding bikes for fifty-seven years (forty-seven on the road) and my current modest fleet is: Kawasaki ZZR600 E6F YOM 2007 (it's my little fun bike and my third baby ZZR in twenty-four years); Honda Hornet CB900 YOM 2005 (it's my summer fun bike); Yamaha TDM900 YOM 2012 (it's my second in sixteen years and a genuine all rounder); BMW R1200GS TE YOM 2018 (it's my default touring bike and my second GS, my first was a BMW R1200GS YOM 2012 - the last of the oil / air cooled bikes). If I could only have one bike, it would be my black Yamaha TDM900. It's got bags of character and is really fun (the non-ABS iteration so old school tech' and less to go wrong). I fitted heated grips; Scott-oiler; Givi V56 top-case; centre-stand; Garmin Sat-Nav so it's a worthy alternative to my GS for a fraction of the cost. Love your videos and content, practically perfect in every way! Best wishes and kindest regards, Jan. 🙂
A fine Selection you have there
I own a suzuki vstrom 1050de done the pyrenees and was the perfect tool for the job and love it , I also taught a 60 year old gent called james to ride a bike and his goal when he passed was to travel round the world on a royal Enfield 650 , that sounds amazing and I believe that will be the right tool for him , who's right who's wrong?? Doesn't matter a fuck as long as we love doing it , keep up the good work 👌 stay safe 🫡
And this is the beauty of bikes, we each have a different idea of which is best and that is what drives the vast selection of bikes and constant innovation I think that also helps to keep us all interested in bikes and seeing the new ones come available etc.. we just love it all!
Multiple bikes, Tiger 1200 2 up touring, Honda CRF 250, green laning and Kawasaki Z900 day out honing. All bases covered. The nearest to unicorn for me seems to be the CF Moto 450.
That does look like a cracker but the CFmoto needs servicing every 3k so no good to me
Funny how times change. I started riding when I was 18 in the early 90's. I went all around France on a Yamaha RD350 YPVS, did about 2000 miles, lots of bungee straps. I wouldn't do it now, but didn't know any different then. People didn't tend to have multiple bikes for different uses then.
We are kind of spoilt for choice now maybe
You can never have enough motorbikes!
True that!
The formula is N+1…. Where N= current bikes owned.😈
That makes sense to me!
Love your videos Guys. I returned to riding after 10 years and bought a 300 to Green lane. Too slow i say! So i bought a 700. Too heavy i say! Answer. One of each from the Triumph showroom!
You went from the CRF300 to Tenere is my guess? Tenere is lighter than Africa twin i believe
Enjoyed that ...I live on the edge of Dartmoor , so much to discover .
We love to go find all the small lanes and roads and explore them. I often find things or notice stuff i never saw before. The weather conditions also often make it feel like a unique ride each time. Dartmoor is just great
I long ago reached the conclusion we all need more than 1 bike. I own 3. I have my go-to Honda NC750X, my occasional long trip Kawasaki Voyager xii, and my 'strictly for fun' Honda Fury. If I could only keep one it would be the NC all day long.
A great life you have there bib
@@ontheroadadventure You only get the one....I'm trying to make the most of mine....as do you two.
A few years back I had a Honda NC as a second bike (VFR 800 V-Tech was my main bike); I loved the NC for comfort and economy but never toured on it although I imagine it would be a great tourer if fitted with the right stuff. I’m surprised that there aren’t a few TH-camrs touring on NC’s…..or are there?
I sold it as I much preferred the riding experience of my VFR even with a 52 L top box….brilliant ‘all rounder’ (in my opinion!). Now that I’m 81 I’m wishing I’d kept the NC as I don’t need the excitement of the VFR🥸
It’s the best way bib, love it
I love a viffer it’s all about the noise!
Ohhhh no ! Nothing worse than a bad scotch egg! Great video
worse things have happened...
I'm not really interested in unicorn bikes...I just love em' all.....I have 7 (2 in the lounge and the rest in the garage) including KTM 1290R, KTM RC8R, KTM 990R and Ducati monster 900 on a '93 plate...... others are dirt bikes for pottering about on...... I'm 70 and been riding since I was 11......I might be on a bike thats hard work on the motorway but as soon as I hit the twisties I forget about the Mway ordeal,. Then if I'm on a bike not suitable for the lanes as soon as I hit the Mway/A roads I forget about the lanes.....It doesn't matter what bike your on as long as you're in the wind..... I need a bigger garage for numbers 8,9,10+......keep on keeping on.... love ya both
Haha more the merrier
Must admit my Tiger 800 is great for long distance even in the winter as gives great protection from wind and weather. But my 2013 T100 Bonneville is great to bumble around on and throw around the bends, even at 70 winds not that bad although I do wear a Bell SRT helmet which is not bad, or sometimes open face helmet, shades and scarf . Probably wind does not bother me that much as when I started biking, there were not a lot of fairings about so just used to it.
Agree with yo the British country side is great any time of the year, especially on crisp winter days, it’s all about the clothing and heated grips or gloves. Cold damp or misty days can be interesting when you stop and find a layer of ice on front of your jacket.😅
I greatly underestimated the british weather on this one! things are getting colder now
sold my r1 and now running a tiger 800 like the comfort and slower pace able to go down lanes and enjoy the countryside more
I think you found a perfect middle ground
You are absolutely correct, there just isn't one bike that does all things the best, you need multiple bikes !! Even if you ride the same route, or similar routes, sometimes you might want to ride & feel like Johnathan Rae other times you might want to ride & feel like Miss Daisey. There are certain bikes that may well suit one person the best considering what they do like yourselves for example. You might want to go to the South of France camping. A Suzuki Hyabausa would be ideal to get there, once there you could rag around on your S1000RR & when you need some supplies you could nip down to the local supermarket on your Honda PCX125 !
We were just talking about really exploring France properly, so far we seem to miss all the good stuff when crossing France. Wrong time of year for it now though really
I was looking at the Tigers and saw how big they were and also how expensive they were ..and I'm a Triumph fan boy owner, so I looked at the Guzzi V85TT, bought it and love it, thousands cheaper,less tech smaller, air cooled 23ltr tank tubeless wheels ,shaft drive..love it.
I dont know much about the Guzzi's I really need to get on one and see what its all about
@@ontheroadadventure , in one word they are 'charming'.
Thanks you have talked me into getting the 400 … I’ll use it to go down the driveway to the letterbox and back. That’s it 😂😂
LOL you'll have the most fun collecting the post!
@@ontheroadadventure probably not if the wife wants to come to 😂
that vid was spot on for that bike both
Thanks bud
Ahh thought tha looked familiar - Postbridge stores - was up for sale last year (might still be?) - we seriously considered buying it but in the end ended up in George Nympton/South Molton a few days ago . Some great riding out here!
Thats the one
I’m lucky enough to have a mx track at my house so I have a Kawasaki 450 for dirt and like you two we have an adventure bike. Love your videos can’t wait until the next one
That is awesome! So Jealous!
Love the look of those 400’s , but like you say it’s not much good for highway speeds for comfort etc ! I have two Harley’s, one is the customised 117 stage 3 breakout !!!! But the other one is a stage 2 tuned 107 Streetbob which when I go touring I load that up with gear ! Using the sissy bar bag and throw over bags is enough for my stuff !!! Although to be honest I mainly do B&B’s 😎 great vid as always guys 👍🏼
Yeah our luggage issue is caused by camping and Camera equipment, Tripods, Chargers, Drones etc so we do carry more than most people i guess
and i thoughtit was just me who called the dealer as my new bike wouldnt start 😂
Oh no?! Was it the kill switch?
yes😂@@ontheroadadventure
Ohhh God 😆😆😆
My Suzuki GSX S1000GT+ ticks all the boxes for me. Touring, leisure rides or more spirited rides does it all, very well.
Nice Choice
My go too bike for me at the moment is definitely my CB500x. It does what I need out of a bike. Full hard luggage system on it is very handy. Use for work Commute and other social rides. Next year I am hoping to do more
camping trips. Done a couple this year already on my Cb500x.
You fancy some winter camping? We havent given in yet!
@@ontheroadadventureNeed to find the right tent for winter camping. Looking to get Vango Galaxy 300 tent at some point. Currently have OEX Phooxx 2 tent. It’s on the small size and as you experienced before on another tent, it has few problems with condensation.
Yeah condensation is no fun at all. Check out the smaller MSR tents we really rate ours
Most Owners of the 400X are changing the front sprocket to a 15 tooth, which they are saying makes a huge difference.
That makes perfect sense to me, could well change that bike in a real good way
Honestly, I’d like to have at least 6 in my stable. The closest to a “one does all” for me, is my GSA. I can ride every back road and hwy comfortably, single and two track…long stretches of gravel. It can carry a ton of gear…or just a tail pack and the suspension takes care of the rest (esa). My wife is very comfortable on the back for short or long rides. It’s an amazing machine. I think it’s time for a BMW review guys👍👊
I did review the BMW GS850 and then 1250 you can find it on the channel. Both fantastic machines
Now that you mention it, I think I have seen that…may have been how I found y’all’s channel in the first place. Btw, I was telling my wife tonight while watching this video over dinner…after a couple days, I can’t wait for the next one. You two have become part of our life’s haha. Cheers
I love that! We have biker family all over the country now! ☺️
yeah, that was it…went back and checked. That is how I found your channel. We’ll, when you and Ewa come over here, there is always a place for you to stay in Charleston, SC
Thanks 🫡
Many bikes has to be the answer. It’s like comparing a Ferrari and a Land Rover. I don’t believe in the unicorn bike. I can only afford one bike so my GSX8S fulfills most of my needs. It can handle the twisties and motorways with ease and as I don’t camp anymore a set of throw over panniers does the job for touring.
I can always find a reason why i NEED another bike! Seems we as bikers are never happy... How many times you said you had the last/right bike... I have loads lol
I've got two Royal Enfields, a 350 that I use for exactly the sort of roads you were going down on Dartmoor, and a 650 for longer/faster stuff. Don't have a screen so I get battered, but an used to that anyway. People have been all over the world on little 350 Enfields so it can be done.
Your not tempted to fit a screen to your bikes?
@@ontheroadadventure sometimes! I've not had a screen since I had a Gpz900 back in the '80's!
Dont think i fancy that much
I was recently changing my SV650 to something more touring one and went through Vstrom, Tiger GT and Tracer GT. I rode all. All have some + and some - but exactly what Ewa noticed at 10:20: the paniers on Tiger are too wide! Yamaha put the muffler under the engine - problem solved. None of them is offroad bike and I don't need to be offroad either.
Tracer for you now then?
@@ontheroadadventure already for 2 weeks, already 1500 miles, already happy ;-)
One of my favourite bikes of all time
@@ontheroadadventure nice to hear, lets see what I will say 50k miles later ;-)
Hi both, the new tiger sport 800 would be a better option for touring/camping 😉 I feel a review coming 😅
Allot of excitement for this new 800 it seems… we would be chuffed to get chance to ride and review them if Triumph will loan us a couple
I’ve come to realise there is no perfect bike and that’s why I own several bikes that fill different needs……that’s how I justify it to myself anyway 😂
Preaching to the choir 😂
So when is the "On the Road adventure" coffee and cake run being announced 😄
I reckon that would be a quiet ride this time of year...
I think if you ride solo there are loads of unicorn bikes, especially if you accessorise.
Possibly, What do you ride currently? is it your only bike?
The trouble with having many bikes is the modern fuel. If they are not ridden regularly they will suffer. After 50 yrs of biking I’ve lost my licence through health this year. Like having limb amputated. Only ever commuted on small bikes and a big one for fun. Still hoping to get licence back. At least channels I follow give me pleasure of biking vicariously but makes me sooo jealous😂
I’m sorry to hear that mate, I hope you can convert something so you can ride again if you get your licence back?
I'd stick with 55-60 and lose the peak.
It adds a few minutes but takes out the stain.
The time you save is minimal unless you are risking your licence.
Wind chill at 40 mph knocks off 10°C ish if I recall correctly.
I don't do off road trails so just the Harley low rider.
The longer it takes the better.
I agree, when i rode a harley, the Grin factor is 30-60mph. Each bike is different, i had a tracer 900 that wasnt happy until i was doing silly speeds
I've had an RD500lc, FZR1000,GSXR750J,
FZX750,FJ1200. Rather than keep changing the bike I changed my attitude.
I’m lucky enough to have GSA1250 and R nine T and KTM 350 one for every occasion
That is a good selection! i like the Scrambler R9T
Hi you
I found my unicorn bike 2023 Honda nc750x really good all rounder
Andy from bude
Amazing bikes with great MPG too
That green tiger sport is now being sold in dealerships for £8650 with free panniers, a bargain. That is because the new tiger 800 will be out in the spring.
A New Tiger 800? Ive not heard about this yet... It will be a triple like the last one?
@@ontheroadadventure yes a triple and looks like a beefed up tiger 660.
Also probably realised people are now dropping loyalty to a brand such as the Voge DS900X fully loaded with extras. People must be switching as theres allegedly a 7 month waiting list now.
@@ontheroadadventureMotobob and Rocketman have overviews out on it.
@@ontheroadadventure yes a triple. Looks like a proper road focused bike 17” from wheel and lots of power
Thats exactly why i sold my honda cl 500. nightmare on german autobahn. With my 900 scrambler no problem. Those speeding trucks are so dangerous.
Oh yes we are not fans of the autobahn either
unicorn bike for me is the Bmw r1250 Gs shaft drive tellylever suspension do it all bike 👍🥰 I prefer to ride with panniers on day rides for storage and only put top box on when traveling away , makes it easier to thro your leg over
Its a myth that if the bars fit the luggage will , Think of this scenario filtering through traffic the handle bars will go over the top of sports car mirrors then bang your luggage panniers take the mirror off as they are a lot lower ( have seen it happen )😱
GS could well be a close one for the unicorn bike, they sold allot of them for very good reason..
@@ontheroadadventure test ride 1 and you will see why 👍
Right tool for the job? I have driven motorcycles more than 47 years and several one cylinder motorcycles. This one is one off the best. Of course if you want to go on highways you can choose something else. I have also a BMW K1200LT, but I mostly take the Triumph….None wind protection…..Glad you find out that this is a naked bike😊….What did you expect?.I have several trips on the 400x (15 tooth in front) up to 600 km in a day and it’s nice to drive comfortable in it up to 100 km/hour . No problems at all. I think a lot of people drives to big bikes, while they’re skills are not in harmony with either the weight or power. But it’s cool to have a big bike and also a status……In the seventies and eighties we where driving thru the hole Europe with naked bikes, two persons and just 50 horsepower’s 😂😂None problems with that and those trips you remember better than trips with those big monsters that people can’t handle …..
We have been spoilt with the luxury and comfort of our modern Adventure bikes!
Harley Davidson pan america does what I want.
I rode one some time back, love the power
Rich in have the speed triple 1200 rs wouldb not change for bends and i have the tank bag does the job and could go camping anytime i get my pump drink etc
We need a tank bag, very convenient
Agree
Cheers
Key in the glove ,gloves in the lid ,,,,,,,JD
not a bad idea...
oh my dears, you should never miss a bike - proper number of bikes is always: "n + 1" - stick to this and you will never miss anything ;-)
Thanks for the tips!
My mate works at that harley Davidson shop
Awesome 👍 Tell him to send us a couple loan bikes 😉
@@ontheroadadventure I will message him later
Not for the motorway but great for everything else possibly .
A and B roads this bike is a fun machine to ride
I have a CBF1000 and a Multistrada enduro, and the CBF is my go to bike, I love it, and the more I ride it, and the more adventures we have, the more I love it, really under rated bike.
Fine on the motorway used mine with a givi top box and dart screen
I added a givi rack and outback trekker top box and small dart screen to my speed 400 it's fine on the motorway and brilliant on the back roads
Don't camp it's rubbish use a Hotel or B and B
Nothing uncool about a top box
The trouble with these short test you get no idea what the bike can do
1:12 hey guys, Richie doesn't your right signal work, hi ewa how's it going.
cheers will check it out
Stick a Triumph badge on a Bajaj bike...
only 5k though... Sub 60mph this bike is just great
@@ontheroadadventure Oh dear, still Triumph'd. Get well soon.
Dont worry AT is all loaded up and waiting to go..
@@ontheroadadventure Look forward to future uploads.